Bailey Sutherland, Daily Herald
The long weekend is here, and drivers are urged to travel with care and attention as highway crews are working at a number of locations across the province.
“Please obey the posted speeds in our work zones as you enjoy your weekend camping or visiting family and friends,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Lori Carr said in a press release. “We ask that if you have plans that include highway travel, please respect the signs and allow yourself additional time to get to your destination safely.”
You may encounter sharp pavement drop-offs, lane closures or loose gravel that warrant slower posted speeds when workers are not present. If you’re planning to travel, check the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or by calling 511.
Some of the highway construction work this week includes:
• Highway 2 south of La Ronge – seal coating;
• Highway 3 near Spiritwood – surfacing;
• Highway 4 near Saskatchewan Landing – bridge rehabilitation;
• Highway 9 near Usherville – paving;
• Highway 55 near Green Lake – paving; and
• Highway 202 near Buffalo Pound Lake – grading.
July’s Traffic Safety Spotlight was work zones. SGI reminded drivers to be mindful of workers while travelling through work zones, and that through awareness and education, we can prevent incidents and close-calls.
Your risk of a crash increases on long weekends, says Joe Hargrave, Minister responsible for SGI. “Please take care out there and obey the posted speed limits. Police will also be out watching for impaired drivers, so if long weekend plans involve alcohol — or anything else that impairs you — plan a safe ride home”.
For tips on how to stay safe during your travels, and to hear SGI’s radio ads on long weekend road safety, visit https://www.sgi.sk.ca/news?title=risk-of-a-crash-doubles-on-long-weekends.
A weekly highway construction update is also published on www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/highway-construction-projects/weekly-highway-construction-update to provide the public with the latest details on projects to help plan travel. You can also report a highway work zone signing problem by calling 306-244-5535.
